AeroVironment launches TOM 50 RE backpackable ground robot

AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) announced the launch of TOM 50 RE, a compact uncrewed ground vehicle developed by its subsidiary Telerob. The announcement was made at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.

The system weighs less than 10 kilograms and can be carried by a single operator. It features tracked mobility with a stair-climbing flipper system and supports payloads up to five kilograms while providing up to five hours of operation time.

TOM 50 RE includes four integrated high-resolution wide-angle cameras with infrared capability for 360-degree situational awareness. The system incorporates simultaneous localization and mapping technology to generate detailed maps of interior spaces, including GPS-denied environments such as underground structures.

"The introduction of TOM 50 RE reflects AV's commitment to delivering robotic systems that directly address the realities of modern ground combat and explosive threat environments," said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of AV.

The vehicle is designed for mobile exploration, reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal, and operational support missions. Its modular architecture allows integration of mission-specific payloads through the Mission Module Interface or Universal Component Interface adapter.

The system uses IP-mesh radio architecture for communications and can function as a mobile repeater to extend connectivity for forces operating in structures or complex terrain. Operators control the system through AV_Halo Command software running on the Tomahawk Grip family of systems or the Robo Command Control System.

TOM 50 RE can conduct four primary mission types: mobile exploration in high-risk environments, mission-accompanying reconnaissance with mapping capabilities, explosive device neutralization using modular payloads, and support operations in cooperation with other robotic systems.

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